1. Racism(s) & discrimination
Unit 3
Racism(s) & discrimination

2. Racism & isms ……… sexism, disableism, ageism, homophobia
Neil Thompson
Racism can be defined as an attitude (ideology) or action (behaviour) that disadvantages individuals or groups on the basis of their “racial” inferiority[1], mainly by means of limiting their access to scarce resources. 1] Racial difference or racial inferiority is often perceived or constructed in terms of different culture, ethnicity, religion, language, etc.
See Unit 6

3. Explanations of racism:
1. Psychological ”Some people are like that”
2. Lack of knowledge, ignorance „To know is to love“
3. Intergroup relations ”Birds of a feather”
4. Individuals are racists because the structures, practices, and values of our society are racist. ”Its the system”

4. Discrimination/isms: Personal – Cultural - Structural Neil Thompson

5. Racisms – cont. from violent attacks or scapegoating
to paternalistic crypto-racist assistance to m.
tendency to deny racism (unacceptable)
two main meanings:
1) ideology (beliefs) about racial superiority
2) “the whole complex of factors which produce racial discrimination” and sometimes also “those which produce racial disadvantage”
Cashmore

6. Racism as ideology
1. the so called “scientific racism of the 19th century”, manifested for example in the publication by Herrnstein, Murray, 1995
2. “popular” racism or “common sense” racism that is based on ethnocentrism, a tendency to believe that one´s own cultural paradigm is universal, neutral and superior to any other culture

7. In other words…
Racism
1. denies all difference in the name of universality of the human nature, but unconsciously it takes back this universality to the dominant model;
2. uses the obvious differences to turn them into instruments of domination, exploitation, condemnation, exclusion, or extermination.

8. Racisms- cont. Attitudes Behaviour Structures
„Racism, in short, involves
stereotypes about difference and inferiority
use of power to exclude, discriminate, subjugate“
The Parekh Report, 2000
Attitudes
Behaviour
Structures
Inequality
Prejudice
Discrimination

9. Racisms – cont.
Prejudice
Discrimination
Exclusion

10. Assimilation and Racism (Bauböck)
Assimilation and Racism (Bauböck)
assimilation is possible
yes no
assimilation is required
compulsory assimilation
racist double-bind
pluralism
segregation

11. assimilationist policies inclusiveness

12. Assimilationist model
DIFFERENCE DEFICIT
ASSIMILATION   
COMPENSATORY PROGRAMMES
Does the individual fit
into the System or ‘Institution’? 
ASSIMILATION

13. Curriculum (Multiculturalism) model
Cultural Effects
 CULTURES
LIFESTYLES ATTITUDES
PLURALIST
TOLERANCE AND HARMONY
 Does the organisation of this ‘institution’
recognise Diversity ?  
PLURALIST

14. Equity/Rights Model EQUITY PARTICIPATION ANTIDISCRIMINATORY
Social and Political Effects
 EQUITY PARTICIPATION
ANTIDISCRIMINATORY
LIFE CHANCES
Are people enabled in this ‘institution’?
Do the structures allow for
achievement, growth and opportunities?
ANTIDISCRIMINATORY